Skoda Fabia review - Reliability and Safety

Skoda took sixth place (out of 26) in our Driver Power 2018 satisfaction survey, beating the likes of Mazda, Audi and Ford. The Fabia itself has never been rated as highly as other products in the range, with the latest generation continuing this trend by ranking 55th out of 75. 

Elements of the MQB architecture help the Fabia’s safety, reflected by the car’s five-star Euro NCAP rating, earned in 2014. Front Assist collision warning and autonomous braking are standard on the Monte Carlo trim level, while six airbags feature across the range. It earned an 81% score for Adult Occupant protection, 81% for Child Occupant safety, 69% for Pedestrian safety and 69% for Safety Assist features.

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All models have side and curtain airbags as standard, plus a front passenger airbag deactivation switch. There are Isofix mounts on the outer rear seats, a tyre pressure monitoring system and remote locking with SAFE function that prevents unlocking from the inside.

Even more impressive is the inclusion of standard Front Assist on SE models and above. This uses a front bumper radar to monitor for impending collisions – it sounds a warning buzzer to alert the driver and, if they don’t react, it will auto-brake to help minimise the effect of any collision, and possibly avoid one altogether. Another optional feature is also noteworthy – the driver fatigue sensor that’s offered on SE grade and above. Light and rain sensors are also available. 

Warranty

Skoda offers a three-year, 60,000-mile manufacturer warranty on the Fabia – which, it’s worth noting, doesn’t actually have a mileage cap for the first two years. Worth bearing in mind if you’re an ultra-high mileage user. It can be extended to four our five years with Skoda’s optional extended warranty. It’s backed up by a 12-year anti-perforation body warranty.

A three-year pan-European breakdown warranty is also included, and this is not capped by a mileage limit either. Skoda even includes three years’ ‘Ensurance’ cover: this is its free accident and repair cover that works alongside your existing car insurance policy to guarantee the use of Skoda-approved repairers, parts and technicians. You’ll even have a dedicated claims manager should you be involved in an accident – and Skoda will help you recover any uninsured losses.

Servicing

Fabia new car buyers can choose whether to take fixed or variable service intervals. The fixed regime comes every 10,000 miles and is for those who cover lower mileages with more short journeys, heavy-duty use and often use high revs. The flexible regime, which is mainly for constant-speed motorway users, will flash up servicing needs variably between 9,000-20,000 miles, depending on use: if you’re easy on your Skoda, you can stretch services to a maximum of two years.